Tracy van der Schyff

#Office365Challenge – The ability to create Datasheet Views in SharePoint are useful when you have to update bulk properties on a regular basis – whether it a list or library. The same can be done by just clicking on the Quick Edit button on the Library tab – but having a view with all the relevant columns etc. is handy.

To create a datasheet view is very easy as a template already exists for it. Go to the Library Tab > Library Settings:

Scroll to the bottom and click on Create View (yes there is an easier way, but this helps you get used the settings page at the same time):

Select the Datasheet View template:

The datasheet view should always include all columns which are compulsory to be completed or you’ll never be able so save your changes, and remember to set your Item Limit to at least 200 if your bandwidth allows it, or you’ll get that dreadful “next 30” link at the bottom of the view. Once created, this is what your view will look like. You will be able to make changes, copy and paste and even drag properties to other fields. To save your changes, simply click on “Stop editing this list”:

Note: Be very careful when working in this view as you can make bulk changes and delete multiple documents. A tip I have for you is that when you have to make bulk changes to many items, export a spreadsheet of all the data first and save a local copy – in case you mess it up – then at least you have the original data to copy back.

Just another awesome thing about O365 / SharePoint.

Overview of my challenge: As an absolute lover of all things Microsoft, I’ve decided to undertake the challenge, of writing a blog every single day, for the next 365 days. Crazy, I know. And I’ll try my best, but if I cannot find something good to say about Office 365 and the Tools it includes for 365 days, I’m changing my profession. So let’s write this epic tale of “Around the Office in 365 Days”. My ode to Microsoft Office 365.

Keep in mind that these tips and tricks do not only apply to Office 365 – but where applicable, to the overall Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint.